Today we’d like to introduce you to Jackson Gatlin.
Hi Jackson, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was an economics major at University of Houston and absolutely hated it. After discussing how unhappy I was with friends and family, I decided I wanted to do something involving basketball because that’s where my passion was, and that brought me to broadcast journalism.
Since that revelation, I’ve written for the UH school newspaper, covered UH Men’s Basketball during their first Sweet Sixteen run, interned at ESPN 97.5, became a weekend producer at SportsTalk 790, began hosting Locked On Rockets, started my own blog Clutch City Control Room, became a part of the Locked On NBA national show, and now also host another Rockets-related show called State Of The Rockets.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Once I figured out what I wanted to do, I dove in completely head-first and never looked back.
It definitely hasn’t been easy, as I worked at a “day job” for almost three years after graduating while trying to establish myself as a member of Houston media, but now that I get to discuss basketball full-time, I can look back and know that all the hard work, grinding and long hours were absolutely worth it.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a journalist/media personality that covers the Houston Rockets and the NBA.
I routinely interview NBA players and coaches, asking questions to learn more about their approach to their craft.
While I have a journalism background, I don’t hide the fact that I’m a true fan of the team I cover, which allows me a unique perspective that is sometimes lost with “regular” fans, or “traditional” media who aren’t as in touch with the fan base.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Enthusiasm.
I love what I do, and I truly believe that shows in my work, which allows me to come across as my genuine self.
I’ve met countless people throughout my years in this industry who are always surprised to find out I’m the exact same person off-camera as I am on-camera.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/JTGatlin
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacksontgatlin/?hl=en
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/JTGatlin
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/c/LockedOnRockets
